Fast & Furious 7 resumes filming after halting production following tragic death of leading man Paul Walker

Fast & Furious 7 has resumed filming after halting production last year following the tragic death of actor Paul Walker.

Director James Wan shared a picture of a clapperboard from the set on his Instagram page, alongside the caption: 'First day back filming. Better and stronger. #Fast&Furious7.'

It remains to be seen just how the death of Walker, who became synonymous with the car racing movies thanks to his role as Brian O'Conner, will be dealt with in the new installment in the franchise.

Back to work: Director James Wan shared a picture from the set of Fast & Furious 7 after production was resumed following the death of star Paul Walker last November

In a statement released by Universal in December, the film company said: 'Continuing the global exploits in the
franchise built on speed, Vin Diesel and Paul Walker lead the returning
cast of Fast and Furious 7, which will be released by Universal Pictures
on April 10, 2015.

'James Wan directs this chapter of the hugely
successful series, and Neal H. Moritz and Vin Diesel return as
producers.'

However, it has been reported that the movie's screenwriter Chris Morgan has completely rewritten the script following the death of Walker in a car crash last November.

While some rumours suggested that Walker's death will be mirrored in the movie with his character being killed off, recent reports have claimed that CGI and body doubles will be used to complete the scenes that Walker began filming prior to his passing.

Rewrites: It remains to be seen just how Walker's death will be dealt with on screen. Reports have suggested he will be killed off in the new film, while others report CGI and body doubles will be used to complete the scenes

Co-stars: Paul Walker, Vin Diesel, and Tyrese Gibson at the premiere of Fast & Furious 6 in London last May

Meanwhile,
actor Tyrese Gibson, who plays Roman in the films, said recently that
the cast were planning to honour their late co-star with a prayer before
recommencing filming

He told TooFab: 'God's grace is all we have.
Before we start filming we are going to have a strong prayer. That will
be the start, before we film anything. That's what is needed for us to
do Fast & Furious 7.'

Tyrese also discussed the emotional impact of Paul's death, saying: 'This is the only movie I ever worked on where we are all real close even after the movie is over. It wasn't just losing a co-star, he was family for real. That's why it took so long to recover.'

Vin Diesel, who plays Dominic Toretto, shared on Facebook how he will head back to set a changed man.

'The transition into that Dom state of mind has always been an interesting one,' the 46-year-old actor wrote. 'Only this time there is added purpose, a collective goal to make this the best one in the series.'